A case of giant skull base chondroma.

Abstract

Intracranial chondroma is a rare benign tumor. Here, we present the case of a 29-year-old female who was afflicted with left eye blindness and ptosis. Brain computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of a giant calcified mass accompanied by a solid mass in the middle and posterior fossa. A differential diagnosis regarding chordoma, chondrosarcoma, and other chondroid tumors based on radiologic information was inconclusive. The lesion was resected completely under a microscope using a combined pterional and subtemporal approach. The pathologic report confirmed the diagnosis of chondroma. No evidence of neurological worsening was observed. The tumor had a calcified mass with mature hyaline cartilage surrounded by a thick fibrous capsule. We dissected the periphery of the tumor mass and removed it via aspiration. It was readily distinguished from normal brain parenchymal tissue. The large calcified mass at the center of the tumor had relatively high vascularity, and a high-speed drill and various rongeurs were used to remove the tumor.